The Crown of the Continent: Getting Up Close and Personal with North America’s Loftiest Peaks

The Crown of the Continent: Getting Up Close and Personal with North America’s Loftiest Peaks

North America’s got mountains, that’s for sure. We’re talking everything from the gentle, time-worn Appalachians to the Rockies, those spiky, snow-covered giants that seem to pierce the sky. These ranges have done more than just look pretty; they’ve shaped our weather, our history, and even where we decided to build our cities. But when it comes to sheer height, which range takes the crown? Well, it’s not quite as simple as you might think.

But let’s cut to the chase: the Alaska Range is the big winner here. And the star of that show? None other than Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, the highest peak on the entire continent.

Denali: More Than Just a Mountain, It’s a Statement

Okay, so Denali clocks in at a staggering 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level. That’s impressive, no doubt. But here’s the thing that really blows your mind: it’s not just how high it is, but how much it rises from the surrounding land. Imagine a granite behemoth, shooting up almost 18,000 feet (5,500 meters) from its base. That’s more vertical than Everest, folks! It’s like this massive fist of rock, thrown up from the earth by some ancient geological upheaval that started, get this, around 60 million years ago. Denali anchors the whole Alaska Range, and basically owns the skyline in Denali National Park. Trust me, seeing it in person is something you won’t forget.

The Alaska Range: A 600-Mile Curve of Awesome

This isn’t just about one mountain, though. The Alaska Range itself stretches for about 600 miles (965 km) across south-central Alaska. Think of it as a giant, curving spine, connecting the Aleutian Mountains to the border with the Yukon. What’s it like up there? Well, picture this: crazy high peaks, terrain that’ll make your knees weak, glaciers galore, and weather that can turn on you in a heartbeat. This range is still growing, believe it or not, thanks to the Pacific Plate stubbornly shoving itself under the North American Plate. Talk about a slow burn!

Honorable Mentions: The St. Elias Mountains and the Rockies

Now, before you think it’s all about Alaska, let’s give some love to a couple of other contenders.

• The St. Elias Mountains: These guys live in the corner where Alaska, Yukon, and British Columbia all meet. They’re actually part of the Pacific Coast Ranges, and they’re home to Mount Logan, which is Canada’s highest point and number two in North America overall, topping out at 19,551 feet (5,959 meters). Plus, they’ve got ice fields that are bigger than anywhere else outside the polar regions. Seriously impressive.
• The Rocky Mountains: Ah, the Rockies. These guys are the marathon runners of mountain ranges, stretching over 3,000 miles (4,800 km) all the way from British Columbia down to New Mexico. While they might not reach the insane heights of the Alaska Range, they’re still a force to be reckoned with. You’ve got countless peaks over 14,000 feet (4,267 meters), including Mount Elbert in Colorado, which is the Rockies’ highest at 14,440 feet (4,401 meters).

The Verdict

So, there you have it. While you could argue about the exact definition of “highest,” the Alaska Range, with Denali standing tall, definitely takes the crown for the highest mountain range in North America. These ranges – the Alaska Range, the St. Elias Mountains, and the Rockies – are a testament to the incredible power of nature, shaping our continent and offering us views that’ll take your breath away. Get out there and see them for yourself!